More than 60 outstanding companies and charities have been nominated for the 2015 TORCH Awards. While it's still months until the awards go out, BBB is sharing the stories of some of these companies and charities with consumers and the community on our blog.

Read how Paul Birner, a previous winner with another firm, is putting his principles to work at Renewal by Andersen.  Other company and charity profiles can be viewed on our blog.

BBB has a new Scam Tracker that consumers can use to report suspicious emails, calls or mailers or find out whether others have reported them as scams. The site, http://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us, will help BBB by serving as a central point for reporting scams in North America. Consumers also may enter information on a scam they've received to determine whether it's already been reported.
Learn More» 
 

BBB is advising consumers to be extremely cautious about doing business with Terry Marler or his company, Tuckpointing & Masonry of St. Charles County. Customers tell BBB that he took their money but did substandard or no work.
Learn More»

Pet owners tell BBB that Dynamic Pet Products' Real Ham Bones have sickened or killed their dogs after the animals ingested bone fragments. BBB has mounted a campaign to get the Missouri producer of the bones to stop selling the bones, but they have declined. We're taking the campaign to the U.S. Senate and other government officials.

Renting a car is essential for many types of trips, from business to vacations. But rental car contracts can be confusing. BBB has some tips to help you avoid getting blamed for damage you did not cause and to help you avoid common pitfalls.
 

BBB is warning consumers of a nationwide scheme that targets timeshare owners using a variety of names, including:  R & R Venture Group, Cornerstone Processing and Point Rental Liquidators, all of Las Vegas; Excess Property Solutions of Morris, Ill., Travel Services Group of Elmhurst, Ill., and Extensive Travel Solutions of Kingwood, Texas.

Wind, floodwater, hail and other natural disasters can throw a monkey wrench into your life. When storms strike, some contractors go door-to-door offering to help with emergency repairs. Unfortunately, some storm chasers aren't reliable - and some may even be scammers who take your money and run. Before you hire anyone, BBB has tips to help you find trustworthy contractors who won't rip you off.